Steinbach Community Outreach has received a variance from the city to build a 24-unit affordable housing complex with 30 parking stalls instead of 40.
This proposed apartment complex that SCO is working on takes advantage of a $1.3M affordable housing grant from the province that was announced last year. City council endorsed the project in early November 2021 though there have been some changes in the plan since then.
The initial proposal listed an address along Stonebridge Crossing, however, according to SCO, Bridgepark Manor who owns that property has decided to reserve it for future seniors housing. SCO says they completely respect that decision.
The new proposal will see the affordable housing complex be built at 224 Woodhaven Avenue and will have only one-bedroom and bachelor suites.
SCO Executive Director Irene Kroeker presented at a public hearing on Tuesday asking for permission to have only 30 parking stalls instead of the 40 normally required for 24 suites.
"We looked at our list of people who expressed interest in renting in our building and out of 14 people, there are only four with cars or vehicles.” She adds “As sad as it does seem to us, owning a vehicle is not even within their dreams, never mind a reality at a yearly income of $23,500 to $32,000."